AMERICAN President George Bush has sent a message of goodwill to the nation to mark St David's Day.

AMERICAN President George Bush has sent a message of goodwill to the nation to mark St David's Day.

The President praised the "innumerable contributions" made to America's history and to arts, education and entertainment in the states from those "who proudly claimed Welsh heritage".

The message was read out at a reception to mark StDavid's Day, hosted by US Ambassador William Farish in London.

It read, "On behalf of all Americans, I extend my warmest greetings to the people of Wales as they observe St David's Day on March 1. The Welsh have made innumerable contributions to America's history and to the development of the United States.

"Our own democracy is indebted to the 11 US presidents who proudly claimed Welsh heritage, as did 16 American patriots who signed the Declaration of Independence.

"The close bonds connecting America and Wales continue into the present day. They are evident in our own capital, where a stone on the Washington Monument stairway bears the inscription, 'Cymru am Byth! - Wales Forever!'

"On behalf of all American people, I echo this exclamation of pride and wish all the people of Wales a happy St David's Day."

Welsh Secretary Peter Hain said the message was evidence of the historic ties between the United States and Wales.

He added, "I am confident that the spirit of good will that exists between us will prosper."

The third annual reception was also a showcase for Welsh produce, with Caerphilly cheese and Welsh lamb on offer to guests, alongside American wines.